UK Export Finance (UKEF) has announced new measures to support small businesses across the UK in expanding their global trade operations, delivering on key commitments set out in the government’s new Trade Strategy. As the government’s export credit agency, UKEF is enhancing its suite of trade finance and insurance products to make international trade more […]
UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are being urged to bolster their cyber defences amid a growing wave of politically motivated attacks, as global tensions and conflicts intensify the threat landscape. The warning comes after a recent Sky News investigation revealed an increase in cyberattacks linked to the Iran conflict, with businesses across multiple sectors […]
Marks & Spencer’s new strawberry and cream sandwich has captured attention on social media — but now it’s caught the eye of tax experts, too. Marketed as a sweet take on the viral Japanese strawberry sando, M&S’s half-sandwich — part of its meal deal range — is prompting questions over whether it should be classified […]
Padel continues its meteoric rise, with more than 3,200 new clubs built globally in 2024 – the equivalent of one opening every two and a half hours – according to the newly released 2025 Global Padel Report by Playtomic and PwC. Over 7,000 new courts were added last year, cementing padel’s place as one of […]
Alibaba has launched a £750,000 innovation competition aimed at small and medium-sized businesses in the UK and across Europe, as part of its drive to support digital entrepreneurship and global trade. The Co-Create Pitch Awards, which were previously open only to international participants outside Europe, will now invite UK and EU-based SMEs to showcase their […]
UK and Irish SME leaders are showing signs of cautious optimism despite mounting challenges in international trade, AI adoption and leadership burnout, according to the latest Vistage CEO Confidence Index. The Index, which tracks sentiment among small and mid-sized business leaders, rose modestly to 89.5 from 87.5 in the first quarter. While resilience remains a […]
High earners in the UK are facing a sharp rise in tax investigations as HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) intensifies scrutiny of the wealthiest Britons following a record-breaking year for compliance revenue. A Freedom of Information request by accountancy firm Pinsent Masons has revealed that HMRC’s wealthy and mid-sized business compliance directorate raised more than […]
HM Revenue & Customs is expected to net a significant tax windfall from this year’s Wimbledon Championships, as the tournament’s ever-increasing prize pot pushes more players into higher UK tax brackets. According to tax experts at Blick Rothenberg, Wimbledon is becoming an increasingly lucrative revenue stream for HMRC, thanks to the structure of international tax […]
The UK’s advertising watchdog has issued a strong rebuke to brands that continue to rely on outdated and harmful stereotypes of older people, warning that many portrayals are offensive and fail to reflect the reality of ageing in modern society. In a report published today, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) singled out several high-profile adverts […]
Britain’s banking sector is preparing for a fresh wave of consolidation, as major lenders and challengers alike position themselves for strategic acquisitions that could reshape the industry. Leading the charge is specialist lender Shawbrook, backed by private equity firm Pollen Street Capital, which is reportedly circling high street player Metro Bank in a potential deal […]